His reputation was not helped by a stuttering start to the campaign in which Albion failed to win any of their first four games.

Pardew has been dogged for most of Newcastle’s poor 2014 and has even seen websites set up calling for his dismissal.

Now though, the terrain isn’t quite so bumpy for either man.

Irvine has overseen three wins and two draws in six Premier League games and West Brom go into today’s game in 11th place.

Even more miraculous is the fact Pardew is on a run of four straight victories and has seen his side beat Spurs, Liverpool and Manchester City.

But despite their shared name and connections with Newcastle, where Irvine was a coach for five years, the Scot rejects any comparisons.

“Are there any similarities? Not really because Alan has had a long time there so had good times already,” Irvine said.

“I came in and I think many people have used the phrase ‘the fans were underwhelmed’ and I can understand that.

“I wasn’t coming from the position that the fans had a chance to assess me. I was trying to change people’s perceptions.

Alan Pardew

“I couldn’t control that but I could only focus on the things I could control – hopefully the fans would change their minds.

“Gradually they have but I am not naïve enough to know that what happened to Alan could not happen to me.

“I am pleased for Alan Pardew because he is a good manager. I have known him for a long time and I’m delighted he could change things.”

Since his appointment Irvine has come across as a positive and upbeat coach and says that whatever has happened inside The Hawthorns, he has always been made welcome by Albion supporters around the area.

“Every West Brom fan I have bumped into has been really supportive. Wishing me good luck, saying they hoped I would be given the chance, given time.

“So it was not as if I was getting all this animosity coming my way. People were just waiting and while they were waiting there were a few grumbles.

“It can turn round like that. Lose the next four games and it will be back to what it was but the difference is that they have had a chance to see me working rather than the preconceived ideas.”

If there are any preconceptions about Irvine now, it is that he will send out an organised and industrious team that challenges opponents to break them down.

Albion have kept three clean sheets in the last six league games and have relied heavily on the goal-scoring of Saido Berahino.

To such an extent in fact that the 21-year-old is the top scoring Englishman in the Premier League and has earned a first call up for England.

Today’s game will be his last before he heads off to meet up with the rest of Roy Hodgson’s squad for the Euro 2016 qualifier with Slovenia and a feisty friendly with Scotland.

Berahino has already spoken of his desire to sign off with a goal or two and Irvine backed him to make an impact on the international stage.

“I don’t know what Roy’s plans would be. I think he would have it in mind to play him in that second game, that nice little friendly.

“I don’t think it will faze him. It will be an interesting experience for him.

“Roy might be thinking ‘I’m bringing him in, no Sturridge, why not give him a little taste?’

“But he might not put his boots on apart from training ground. He has got that mental toughness to cope with it. He won’t freeze.”